Herrera: Casillas dropped for tactical reasons

The Real skipper has been ousted in favour of reserve goalkeeper Antonio Adan recently and was only recalled to the side after Adan was sent off in the 4-3 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Casillas’ continued omission had led to speculation of a falling out with Mourinho, but Herrera believes the choice of stopper has been made by the Portuguese coach to help improve the World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

“Mourinho is looking to improve the team,” he told reporters.

“I do not think his decisions go beyond trying to improve the performance of one of its major players. If Mourinho has won so many titles then surely (he is qualified) to make such decisions.”

Herrera also believes that despite Madrid trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by 16 points at the halfway point, the club’s board will not sack the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss mid-season.

“Even Real Madrid lose, it will not be his last game at the club. The president (Florentino Perez) has made that clear,” he said.

“They will not dismiss Mourinho. It seems more external than internal conflict, as if someone was looking for things that are not there. Inside, the club seems to be pretty quiet.”